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Dan Welch

Omaha is facing serious challenges: higher and higher taxes, unfunded infrastructure mandates from the EPA, an ongoing pension and city contract situation, unsustainable violent crime rates and stagnant job growth are all going to be addressed by the next Mayor.

These issues are wide-ranging, complicated, and urgent. Unfortunately, the last few years have been plagued by discord at City Hall – sniping back and forth between the Mayor’s Office and some members of the city council, a botched recall effort, and political posturing. But these challenges remain, and to meet them, it will take vision and focus from a leader than can bring people together.

As president of the Omaha City Council I worked with council members of both parties and had a partnership with a Democrat Mayor to help grow Omaha with new jobs and a focus on re-vitalizing downtown Omaha. As mayor, I’ll bring our city together and move (word count exceeded)

How would you approach taxes during your term?

Omaha is taxed enough. We need to foster a tax environment that will attract entrepreneurs, businesses, families and individuals to our city – and that means a lower tax environment. Growth, innovation and economic development are the best ways to increase city revenue. More business and more jobs will lead to a broader tax base and a reduced tax burden on our families, small businesses, and seniors.

Reversing the tax hikes of the last four years (higher property taxes, an increase in the wheel tax, and the new restaurant tax) will take time and planning to avoid a deficit situation. As a starting point, we need to set spending priorities to control the growth in city spending and use efficiencies to make spending cuts.

What makes you the best candidate to lead the city?

As a fourth generation Omahan, my family has deep roots in this city. That history coupled with my four years of experience as city council president and as a small business owner fuels my passion and vision for the future of Omaha. That experience and my track record of working to bring people of divergent interests together to solve problems gives me an edge over the other candidates.

My plan, a Blueprint for Moving Omaha Forward can be found at WelchforOmaha.com. This document outlines my vision and sets our city on a course for positive growth and improved quality of living for years to come.

What would you do to ensure job creation during your term?

This is one of the most important tasks for the next mayor. Job creation and economic growth can help Omaha overcome many of the issues we face today, like pension shortfalls and EPA mandates. City government and the Mayor can help create an attractive environment for entrepreneurs and businesses - bringing new, good-paying jobs to Omaha. As Mayor, I will not only be committed to economic growth, I will maintain relationships with existing employers. And just as importantly, I will put an end to the political divisiveness that has characterized Omaha in recent years – working closely with the business community, including the Greater Omaha Chamber, as well as entrepreneurs like those at the Mastercraft Building in NoDo. We can spur economic growth by working together to improve our economy and the lives of Omahans.

How would you address violent crime in Omaha?

Public safety is a fundamental function of government. The gang violence and violent crime that has plagued Omaha in recent years is unacceptable.

Reducing crime rates and ensuring public safety is a top priority for me as Mayor. I know that in addition to having a profound effect on individuals and families, crime rates impact Omaha’s economy. High crime prevents businesses from growing and expanding in the areas of the city that may need it most. Crime statistics are a big factor for businesses and families who may have an interest in relocating to the Omaha Metro Area.

I will tackle Omaha’s public safety needs on multiple fronts that all point to prevention, intervention and prosecution. We must have strong schools, target truancy and drop-outs to keep young people on track for a brighter future, promote economic development, make sure our police have the resources they need, and ensure prosecutors (word count exceeded)

How do you think taxpayer dollars should be spent?

Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely, efficiently, and effectively. Every dollar spent by city hall must be scrutinized to determine if the program should be delivered by city government and whether the private sector can do so more effectively and at a lower cost. And tax dollars must be spent transparently without surprises for either the city council or the public.

If elected, how will you involve citizens in decision-making?

First, I will have an open door policy to meet with people and organizations who have ideas and concerns about how the city is operating and what we can and should be doing differently. Second, I’ll attend town hall meetings hosted by neighborhood associations, service clubs, business associations and faith-based groups, so I can hear directly from residents of the city from all corners of Omaha. Third, from my first day in office I will make it clear to my staff and management team that the taxpayers and residents of Omaha are who we are here to serve and that we can never lose sight of who we are serving. We’ll never lose sight of who we represent.

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